Convertible plow



(No Model.) 4 Sheets-Sheet; 1.

w. H DETTER.

' CONVERTIBLE PLOW. No. 276,675. Patented May 1,1888.

' Wa wa4a.

jaw/Z597" 4 Sheets-Sheet 2.

(No Model.) W. H. BETTER.

CONVERTIBLE PLOW.

Patented May 1, 1883.

(No Model.) 4 Sheets-Sheet 3.

W. H. BETTER.

CONVERTIBLE PLOW.

(No Model.) 4 Sheets-Sheet .4;

W. H. BETTER.

CONVERTIBLE PLOW. No. 276,675.

liar/afar .or. plows.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

WILLIAM H. DETTER, OF KENTON, OHIO.

CONVERTIBLE PLOW.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 276,675, dated May 1, 1883.

' Application filed November 17, 1881. (No model.)

Be it known that I, WILLAM H.DEr'rER, a citizen of the United States, residing at Kenton, in' thecounty of Hardin and State of- Ohio, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Uonvert-ible Flows; and I do hereby declare the following to be afull, clear, and exact description ofthe invention, such as will enable others skilled in the art; to which it appertains to make and use the same, reference being hadto tbeaccompanyingdrawings, and to letters or figures of reference marked thereon, which form a part; of this specification.

My invention relates to that class of plows commonly known as convertible--that is to say, in which the parts are so constructed as to adapt the frame for use with cultivators or with subsoil-plows, and as a sulky or walking plow or plows; and it consists, first, in novel means for vertically adjusting the main frame of the carriage upon the carrying-wheels; secondly, in the peculiar construction of the main-frame supports, wherebysaid supports may be tilted according to the nature of thecultivating implement employed therewith; thirdly, in the peculiar construction of main frame, in combination with its adjustable supports and the carrying-wheels; fourthly, in the construction and combination of parts whereby one or more gangs of shovel-plows or cultivators may beattached to the main frame and used as a sulky-plow; and, lastly, the invention consists in certain details of construction and combination of parts, all substantially as hereinafter fully described.

In the accompanying drawings, Figure l is a perspective view of the apparatus when used as a sulky-cultivator. Fig. 2 is a side elevation of the same, one of the carrying wheels being removed. Fig. 3 is a plan view, showing the apparatus when used with a subsoil plow Fig. 4 is a side elevation of the same. Fig. 5 is a perspective view of the auxiliary frame with the subsoil-plow attached thereto. Fig. 6 is a transverse section of the cultivator. Figs. 7 and 8 are perspective views of a slight modification in the construction of the frame, and Fig. 9 is a perspective giew of the dividing-yoke for the cultivator cam. l

In the above-described figures ofdrawings like letters of reference are employed to indicate like parts wherever such may occur.

A A are the carrying-wheels, the latter having an extended or prolonged square axle, a upon which is mounted a crushing-roller, A Fig. 3, when a subsoil-plow is used, and which roller is removed from the axle when the plow isused as a cultivator or with shovel-plows. The wheels A A are mounted on short axles to a, respectively, formed on bearings B B, that have each a short and a long extension, I) I), provided with slots o by means of which the frame may be adjusted either vertically or longitudinally, according to the position of said frame when the machine is used as a subsoil-plow.

Theframeis composed of two side pieces, F F. of the general form shown-that is to say, of the form of a rectangular triangle the hypotenuse of which is curved, as indicated in the drawings. 1 have adopted this form to provide the necessary bearing-surface for th'ejournal-bearings B B. These side pieces, F, of the frame are recessed, as shown at f, and within the said recesses are pivoted the stand ards F, that are braced together by a, rear transverse girt, j. From the standards F extend arched bracesf, that serve to support the forward transverse girts,f of the frame, and

pieces, F, while the braces c, withthe toothed sector 1, hereinafter described, are made separate and removable from the frame. In practice I prefer this method of construction, for the reason that the parts may be made as light and much stronger than when such parts are made of. wood. I do, bowever,'not desire to limit myself to the use of metal only, as wood, or wood and metal, may be employed in the construction of the frame.

When the plow is used as a cultivator, as shown, Figs. 1, 2, and 7, the slotted wheelbearin gs B B stand in a vertical position,and' by means of the bolts 11 said frame, as well as plowing.

the plows, may be adjusted vertically on the bearings B B to regulate the depth of the The bolts 11'' pass through the slots 11 in the bearings B B, and through the side rigidly together at the required height. In

thedrawings l have shown two sets of cult i-' vators having two cultivators each and the necessary cleaners or colters. Each plow-beam O is curved laterally, as shown at 0, so that they may straddle the rowsofthe crop to be cultivated. To adjust or regulate the distance between the two sets of cultivators I employ the following means:

E E are yokes, each provided with two vertical slots, 0, on opposite sides of a central partition, e 0 of rectangular form. The horizontal armc of the partition extends forward between the plow-beams, and ispivoted, with the latter, in a yoke or clevis, 1).- Theyokes E E have-each a hearing or extension, 6 for a transverse brace, E, that may be adjusted by means of the bolts e to regulate the distance between two sets of cultivators, as shown in Fig. 9. g The forward end of the clevis D is enlarged, and forms a bearing for the journal 9 at the lower end of a hanger, G. Thejournal 9 projects some distance below the clevis D, and forms itselfa bearing upon which is pivoted a second clevis, H.

In the clevis H is pivoted the lower end of a draft-bar, h, to which is connected asingletree, the two bars h being connected together by a cross-bar or double-tree, h, which latter is attached to the tongue T by means of a bolt or double-tree hook or clevis, as shown. The double-tree has a series of holcs,h so that the draft-bars It may be adjusted laterally.

Thejournal g of the hanger G above the upper face of the clevis D also serves as a hearing, upon which is pivoted the forward bent arm of the rectangular bars I. The straight arm i, extending rearward, isvpivoted upon the inner face of the side pieces, F. o

The bent arms t' of the bars 1 are extended some-distance beyond their pivotal point, and this extended portion 1' forms a bearing for one end of a brace, I, the opposite end of which is attached to the transversegirtf.

The hanger G, upon one end of which the two plow-beams of a set are hung, is attached to the cross-girt f by means of a clevis, G, and nuts 9, so as to adapt the hanger, and consequently the plow-beam ends, forlateral as well as vertical adjustment to raise or depress the ends of the plow-beams for purposes well understood, or to move them closer together or farther apart, as the distance between the rows of growing crops may require.

It will be seen,first, that the clevises D form bearings for the plow-beam ends and the dividing-yokes E, on the one hand, and the hangers G, bars I, their braces I, and-the draftbars h onthe other hand; secondly,that none of these elements .are rigidly connected with the clevises D or with each other; thirdly, that by means of the hangers G and braces l the said parts are adjustable upon the transverse girts f 3 f, both vertically and laterally, and that when once adjusted and secured in position the parts are held against a vertical movement; fourthly, that although each of said parts is held against vertical movement they are all free to rotate horizontally upon their respective pivots and supports to follow or yield to the lateral movements of the carrying-wheels; fifthly, that the plow-beams, although held at their ends against vertical movement, are adapted to be oscillated vertically in or together with the dividing-yokes upon their pivots in the clevises to enable the plowman to raise said plows out of the ground when meeting obstructions, or to hold them to their work; and, lastly, that this vertical oscillation of the plows takes placeboth with the dividing-yokes E or independent of the same, the said yokes beingslotted, as described, to permit this independent vertical oscillation, and both the yokes and plow-beam ends being pivoted upon the same pivot in the clevis.

By means of this simple construction'the various compound movements necessary to the elements of an agricultural implement of this class are obtained. 7

The attachment of the plows to the main frame is as, follows, (see Figs. 1, 2, and 7:)

The frame being in the position shown, the

rectangular bars I are pivoted to the side pieces, F, by means of bolts, the vertical braces G are attached to the forward transverse girt, f and the braces I to the rear transverse girt, f. The hitching-bars are then raised and connected with the tongue by means of the doubletree h, as above set forth, and the frame may then be adjusted to the desired height upon the sector, l, and by means of bolts P, if desired.

The lever L is fitted removably into a socket, I, Fig. 4, on the outer face ot'one of the slotted and curved side pieces, F, and the toothed sector l is bolted to the front and rear tra'nverse girts,f f, and the brace 0, thus rigidly connecting the frame with its pivotal supports and permitting of the tilting of said supports to any angle or inclination required to regulate the depth the plow isto enter the soil.

In order to balance the frame and plow and releive the horses from a great part of vthe weight of the'former, said frame may be moved toward or from the carrying-wheels, as the case ,maybe, upon the bearings B B, and secured in the. desired position by means of the bolts W, as plainly shown in Fig. 4. When the frame is in proper position the crushing-roller A is attached and then the subsoil-plow P, which latter is efieeted as follows:

K is a frame, provided on its rear ends with 5 trnnuionsorshortshaftsk,andontheupperface of its front and rear tranverse girts, .k k, with one or more bearings, 70 for the reception of a roller or oscillating shaft, S, provided with bearings s for the reception of the subsoilplow.

The plow-beam pcarries a removable handlever, P, by means of which the plow may be rolled with the shaft S for the purpose of setting it to the land in hillside or other plowingv y and locked in position by means of the toothed sector 8.

At or near the forward end the plow-frame K has hangers J, pivoted thereto at one end. The opposite end of the hangersJ are pivoted to depending earsj, attached to a rock-shaft, R, that has its bearings upon the arched braces f. This rock-shaft It also carries a hand-lelever, M, by means of which and the toothed sector N the forward end of the frame K may be raised or lowered as required to pass obstructions or increase or decrease the depth of I the plowing.

It will beevident that the frame K may he pivoted at one end in the side pieces, F, by providing suitable bearings; but I prefer to pivot said frame in a separate brace or transverse girt, O, to impart greater rigidity to the main frame when the subsoil-plow is employed. This detachable brace O, that has bearingblocks for the reception of the journals k of the plow-frame K, is bolted to the side pieces, byinsei ting the rectangular projecting arms 0 of said brace 0 into the recessesfof the "ide pieces and bolting them thereto, so that he frame Kis supported from said brace, and he latter from the side pieces, F, as plainly shown in Figs. 3, 8, and 10.

Q is the drivers seat, attached to the rear transverse girt, f ,upon thatside of the toothed sector N nearest to the toothed sector 1, so as 4 to bring the hand-levers L M within easy reach of the driver.

understood that when one or more subsoilplowsare used with the frame the following elements of the implement are removed, namely: Q the cultivator-beam (l and parts connected therewith, and the clevises D H and the parts I 1 f It h, connected therewith. The side pieces, F, are then tilted into the position shown in Figs. 4 and 6, and secured in that position on the wheel-bearings B B by means of the bolts W. The crushing-roller A is then mounted upon its square journal a formed upon the furrow-wheel A, both rotating together upon the journal a of as above set forth.

When the parts describedare thus arranged the transverse girtO isbolted to the side pieces, F, with the frameK mounted in the journalbearings 0 of said girt, and finally the plow P, with its rocking lever P, is secured in the From what has been said above it will be.

the bearing B,

bearin gs of the roller-sha ft S, and held therein "by the clevis U, Figs. 5 and 6, from which the ,are arranged as shown in Figs. 1,2, and 7, ex-

cept that the rock-shaft It, its lever M, the lever L, the sectors 1 N, and the braces c areor maybe removed, these parts being, as above set forth, removably connected with the framing.

Ihave shown in the accompanying drawings, hereinabove described, a construction of frame adapted for use in conjunction with the main carrying mechanism and frame, whereby one or more subsoil-plows may be connected with and operated from said frame. I do, how ever, not desire to lay any claims in this application for the said auxiliary subsoil-plow frame as constructed, reserving myself the right to make a separate application for patent therefor.

To still further lighten the apparatus when usedeither as a cultivator or subsoilplow, and to convert the same into a walking-plow, I providethe side pieces, F, each with a toothed segment, \V, having a bracket-bearing, 'w, for the reception oftherock-shaft it and its hangersj and lever M, as shown in Fig.8. The rock-shaft It may be provided with the toothed segments It, that mesh with like segments, W, when the shaft is secured in the bearings 20, as shown in Fig. 8. The whole of the upper tilting frame is here removed, and the only elements thereof brought into use are the side pieces, F, with their bearings B B, the rockshaft It, and transverse girt O, as plainly shown in Fig. 8. In this manner I provide means whereby the machine may be used as a walking or riding cultivator or plow, and also means to lighten the framing very materially when said machine is used as a walking plow or cultivator.

It is evident, also, that the arrangement of plow-frame just described may be used as a sulky-plow, in which casethe drivers seat Q is attached to the girt 0, between the bearings for the subsoil-plows, or between the beams of the two sets of cultivators, the forward end of which is hung from the rock-shaft It, instead of from the forward transverse girt.

Having fully described my inventiom'what I claim is- 1. In a convertible plow, the combination, with the independent wheel-bearings B B and the side pieces, F, of the main frame, adjustably secured thereto and capable of being tilted thereon, of the standards of said main frame and parts connected therewith, pivoted to the side pieces, F, and means, substantially as described, for locking said parts rigidly into position when adjusted relatively-to each other, substantially as and for the purpose specified.

2. The combination of the main frame and its side pieces, F, with the independent slotted bearings B B, the carrying-wheels A A, the latter provided with a square journal, a, and the crushing-roller A all arranged and operating substantially as and for the purposes specified.

3. The combination, with the bearings B B, having slots b and the bolts b of the recessed side pieces, F, and the standards F, pivoted within the recesses of'said side pieces, substantially as and for the purposes specified.

4. The combination of the bearings B B and the side pieces, F, of the main frame with the standards Fand the parts connected thereto, the sector 1 and hand lever L, all arranged for operation relatively to each other, substantially as and for the purposes specified.

5. The combination, with the carrying-wheels A A, their hearings B B, having slots [1 and the locking-bolts b of the side pieces, F, the standards F, the transverse girts 1' f the bracesf the rock-shaft It, sector N, and lever M, all arranged and operating substantially as and for the purpose specified.

6. In a convertible plow, the combination, with the adjustable main frame, constructed as described, its tongue T, and a pair of cultivator-plow beams, of the clevises D H, the draftbars h, carrying the single-trees, and the crossbar h,all arranged substantially as and for the purpose specified.

7. In a convertible plow, the combination,

operating substantiallyas and for the purpose specified.

8. The combination, with the adjustable main frame, constructed as set forth, plow-beams, of the clevis D, arms I, hangers G, and braces I, all arranged and'operatingsubstantially as and for the purposes specified.

9. In a convertible plow, the combination, with two pairs of plow-beams and a supporting-frame theret'or,of the slotted dividing-yokes E and the adjustable connecting brace or bar E, arranged for operation relatively to each other, substantially as and for the purpose specified.

10. The combination, in a convertible plow, of the adjustable main frame, its tongue, and a pair of plow-beams, ot' the clevises I) H, the adjustable hangers G, the supporting-bars I, braces I, draft-bar h, and cross-bar h, all constructed and arranged for operation relatively to each other, substantially as shown, and for the purposes specified.

In testimony whereofI affix my signature in presence of two witnesses.

' WILLIAM H.- DETTER.

Witnesses:

J. M. PEARCE, JOHN H. SMIoK.

and a pair of 40 

